Salt Lake City Child Support Attorney

What is Included in Calculating Child Support in Salt Lake City?

You can see a full list of what is included in calculations of child support in Utah Code § 78B-12-203 (2020). In general, the following will be included:

• Salaries and wages
• Bonuses
• Overtime pay
• Income from a trust
• Pension or retirement plan payouts
• Military pay
• Alimony received
• Social Security benefits
• Rents received
• Unemployment compensation
• and more

Judges in Salt Lake City family courts often see a range of family structures and income sources. If a parent changes jobs or receives income from seasonal work, such as Utah's ski industry or tourism sector, these earnings may impact child support calculations. Income from public employment or state retirement also counts if it affects available funds. Sorting through multiple sources can become complex, especially when parents have businesses or irregular income. A skilled attorney helps ensure all relevant income is calculated correctly for fair support orders.

How to Modify Child Support?

In the aftermath of a divorce or paternity/custody case, change is inevitable. Sometimes, a parent must seek a modification to the child support amount. In Utah, you can only request a change if the proposed amount differs from the current one by at least 10% (or 15% under certain conditions). Temporary changes—expected to last less than a year—will not qualify for modification.

If you live in Salt Lake City, you generally file modifications in the Third District Court, which handles most family law matters in Salt Lake County. Having clear documentation showing changes in employment, income, or child needs can make the process more straightforward. Understanding local court procedures may help you set realistic expectations during the process.

When seeking a change to child support in Salt Lake City, parents can file a Motion to Adjust or a Petition to Modify.

• A Motion to Adjust: Child support can be adjusted by motion if at least three years have passed since the initial order and:
  • There is a 10% or more difference between the existing support and the calculated guideline amount, and
  • The change will not be temporary, and
  • The new amount fits the statutory guidelines

If any of these criteria are not met, you must file a Petition to Modify.

• A Petition to Modify: Parents may petition for a change under specific circumstances. After three years, a 10% difference between the current and guideline support amounts lets you file. If less than three years have passed, the difference must be at least 15%. You also need to show a material change in circumstances, like:
  • Child Custody issues
  • Change in assets or wealth
  • Parent's income changing by at least 30%
  • Significant shift in earning potential
  • Medical needs of the child
  • Duties to support others
  • Health insurance cost or availability changes
  • The emancipation of the child

Schedule a free case evaluation with our child support attorney in Salt Lake City. Contact us online or call (801) 901-8159

Does Signing Over Parental Rights Stop Child Support in Utah?

In Utah, terminating parental rights ends the legal obligation to pay child support. When parental rights end, the parent no longer has financial responsibilities for the child.

The State of Utah enforces child support on non-custodial parents. If physical custody changes, the state may enforce child support obligations even without modifying the support order.

At What Age Does Child Support End in Utah?

In Utah, child support usually ends when a child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at 18, support may last until graduation or age 19, whichever happens first. In certain cases, obligations may extend when a child is physically or mentally unable to care for themselves.

Understanding High-Income Earner Child Support Cases

High-income earner child support cases present added complexity and require a thorough understanding of Utah child support laws. If you earn a high income or have a co-parent who does, working with a child support attorney in Salt Lake City can help you navigate these special challenges. Emy A. Cordano Attorney at Law manages high-income child support cases throughout the area.

In Salt Lake County, judges often examine high-income cases closely to ensure children continue their standard of living. These cases may involve business income, trust distributions, and investment property common to the Salt Lake City area. Income from real estate, technology, or seasonal industries often requires careful review. Parents in these situations benefit from support tailored to the expectations and financial trends of the local courts.

When it comes to high-income earner child support cases, there are unique factors that need to be considered, such as:

• Income beyond standard guidelines
• Complex asset and property division
• Tax implications
• Spousal support considerations

Our legal team can help you make sense of these complexities and protect your rights and interests. Contact us for more information about high-income child support cases in Salt Lake City.

Maximizing Child Support for High-Income Earners

High-income child support cases involve challenging calculations, and a skilled attorney ensures children’s best interests come first. Our child support attorney in Salt Lake City has experience managing these issues and offers practical guidance through the process.

Salt Lake City's courts review all financial records carefully during support hearings, especially for parents with variable or unpredictable income. Income from property or investments that changes throughout the year makes matters more complicated. Awareness of local economic trends, such as shifts in rental markets or earnings from tech employers, helps ensure that support calculations remain fair and current.

Factors that may impact child support for high-income earners include:

• Income from multiple sources
• Bonuses, commissions, and other variable income
• Investment income and assets
• Standard of living for the child

By consulting an experienced attorney, you can support your child’s needs while protecting their best interests during high-income support proceedings.

Your Resource For Sound Legal Counsel on High-Income Earner Child Support Cases

Legal support often plays a key role in resolving child support issues after or outside of divorce. I serve as a child support lawyer in Salt Lake City for paternity suits, ORS actions, divorce, enforcement measures, or situations where you believe a change justifies a child support modification.

Cases brought at the Matheson Courthouse or other venues in Salt Lake County benefit from guidance that reflects local rules and court standards. Understanding the Utah Office of Recovery Services’ procedures in Salt Lake County matters too. Parents often see timelines or communication needs affected by the caseload at local offices, and knowing what to expect makes the process less stressful.

Utah child support orders rely on a formula factoring in both parents’ gross incomes, children in the family, and time spent with each parent. In some cases, using a child support calculator alone isn’t enough, particularly when unique family dynamics are involved or parents have significant resources.

My experience and proven capabilities extend to:

• Uncovering hidden or unreported income that should count toward child support
• Helping support-paying parents document business and self-employment expenses to defend against excessive orders
• Seeking upward deviations from guidelines when children have special needs or unique circumstances
• Moving through the necessary steps to request modifications after a job loss, major family change, or other life event
• Pursuing paternity claims and appropriate support for unmarried mothers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Child Support Negotiable in Utah?

In Utah, child support is primarily determined using state-mandated guidelines, which factor in both parents' incomes, the number of children, and other relevant factors. However, in some situations, child support may be negotiable, especially when the parents reach an agreement outside of court. If both parents agree to a child support arrangement, they may be able to negotiate the amount, but it must still be reviewed and approved by the court to ensure that it meets the child's best interests.

Who Pays Child Support in 50/50 Custody in Utah?

In Utah, child support is determined based on several factors, including the amount of time each parent spends with the child and each parent's financial situation. In a 50/50 custody arrangement, where both parents share equal time with the child, child support is still typically required, but the amount may be adjusted if one parent earns significantly more than the other.

Our Salt Lake City Child Support Attorney Can Help

Not all family lawyers in the Salt Lake City area take on child support enforcement cases, but Emy A. Cordano, Attorney at Law, is well known for handling them.

Clients benefit from my deep knowledge of judges, case managers, and procedures in Salt Lake County. This familiarity means you receive advice based on actual court norms. Working with someone familiar with the regional legal system can help you avoid unnecessary delays or confusion when resolving enforcement or modification matters.

With the DHS Office of Recovery Services handling thousands of support claims each year, adding my guidance to your family law case increases your chances of successfully resolving these serious issues.

To speak with an experienced Salt Lake City child support lawyer, give us a call at (801) 901-8159 or contact us online today.